Video: Popular Aylesbury pub set to reopen after major refurbishment

Damien Lucas

A popular pub-restaurant in Watermead is set to officially reopen after a major overhaul and will return to its roots with a big emphasis on food.

The Watermead Inn, as it will be called once again after reverting back to its original name from ‘The Aeglesburgh’, is hosting an official reopening party tonight (Friday) following a two and a half week refurb.

Watermead landlords Kelvin and Nikki Wong with Ruth Mayhew, who has been handling the club's communications

Aesthetically the pub has been transformed and completely redecorated with a more open space for diners and drinkers.

But the major news in the wake of the refurb is the introduction of a flame grill and pizza oven alongside a completely new menu. The Watermead will also be the first pub in the town to have Punk IPA Craft Beer on draft, just one of three craft beers it will serve.

While the pub did not confirm how much the refurb cost, it is believed to be over £200,000.

Landlord Kelvin Wong, who runs the pub with his wife Nikki, is hoping the work has added a ‘touch of class’ to his pub-restaurant but is keen to retain the family friendly feel for locals.

He said: “We have always been a family run pub and our new interior, menu and beers reflect what the local people of Watermead and Aylesbury want from their doorstep community pub.”

Some of the plush new interior improvements include soft upholstery seating and large leather Chesterfield sofas while the new menu boasts everything from pasta dishes to ribs, steak, a range of burgers and pizza and even kofta and chicken kebabs.

There is now a cocktail menu on offer while breakfast will also be served at the weekends for the first time.

The pub is hosting a ‘Grand Opening Party’ tonight with live music from local talent Ed Cusick.